Wishing You & Yours

a

Happy New Year, 2012!

News

Klasse Woods Natural Farm is:

~ Taking CSA to the next level ~

Watch for Details

Oh Dear, Oh Deer

October 14, our guys took down two deer within an hour of dawn.

My Dear hit the first with the Suburban.

Deer done!

Suburban? ... we wait and see.





Thankful to the Lord that no one was hurt!


-------------------


At about the same time, Bow Hunter took one down first shot.



We needed the meat! Thanks, Lord God ... and Carsyn!

New Kittens

New little pets have brought a lot of pleasure in the last few weeks.

A First

Our bow hunter got a coyote ... in his first season out.


One less chicken predator.

Little Look Alike

Here my little girl looks like my cousin "Colleen" at that age:



Our littles had so-o-o-o much fun weeding the orchard making a green carpet.

It was so cool and soft to walk on ... until the sun dried it all to a crisp!

It's Official

Carsyn's violin has been complete since June already, but with all the going's on around the farm there's been no time to post pictures etc.

Besides the finish was still curing ... and he hadn't slipped in to the city to get the official appraisal (for insurance purposes).

That happened last weekend.



The verdict is ... he has created an instrument with a $1,400.00 value. That is really pretty good for his first solo attempt as a Luthier!

He already had a buyer for the violin so it is sold and gone ... and he misses it dearly.

So do we 'cause Carsyn has played it a lot. It sings beautifully, easily.

He'll be making another one ... and another ... and another ...

He's good at it.

This is his passion.

This is his gift.

Way to go, Carsyn! We're so happy for you. Thanks for making the world a little sweeter!

All- Dressed Up

This must be the attire of a professional farmer. A bean leaf accessory in the pocket ... with a signature of dirt.

Something for Canadians

You can get a free copy of Money in Your Pocket — a Canadian Guide to Couponing when you share about the ebook on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog

MIA

Ok, either I am missing in action on the blog scene

... or ...

you are missing out on the action in our gardens!

Either way, we're fighting the battle of the weeds! Plants are growing great ... and a great harvest is just beginning!

Watch our garden blog.

Frosty Night

Two years ago on June 8 we had a killer frost. All our efforts were in vain. We had to buy new transplants and re-seed most everything.

Thankfully, this year, June 8th, 2011, God spared us that. Our efforts to ward off the frosts were necessary and enough. God kept the frost light. Yet, had we not been faithful to do our part and use the resources we had at our disposal we could have lost a lot.

Today, we're cleaning up.

The weather going forward looks great. Whew!

Great growing! May God give the increase!

Re-Purpose Garden Projects

"Collars" to keep cut-worms off cabbage, brocolli and cauliflower can be made from fish tins, card board tubes, or pop bottles. We need so many we have to get creative and try anything...but they all have a new purpose!





Milk jugs serve as individual "hot caps" for bedding plants or seeded cucs, sqaush a& melons. Just make two flaps out of the bottom of the jug, then press the jug into the dirt with the flaps out in opposite directions and pile on the dirt to keep the wind from whisking away your hot caps. It works for me!

Old socks have served to keep frost off newly germinated seedlings and/or transplants in our gardens in the springtime. while small socks cut open to lay flat cover seedlings, larger socks can usually be cut open and then in half to make two transplant "blankets". It only takes a few minutes to protect a whole bunch of plants ... especially if you only need to grab a pail of "transplant blankets" and put cover the plants. Evenings when frost is threatening are usually calm so there is no risk of the little "blankets" blowing off. Just go early the next morning to collect them all into your basket again. Then I have laundered them so the moist rags wouldn't go moldy in my basket ... 'cause, of course, I want to save them for the next go 'round...or next year.

We keep all of these things to re-use them annually. That way we only have to do the work of collecting and cutting them once.

- the "collars" get stored in old broken laundry tubs in the shop.

- the sock "blankets" also get stored in a re-purposed five gallon pails with a lid ... to keep out mice & cats & other critters that might like to make a snug home in my re-purposed "blankets".

- the "hot caps" are strung up on long lengths of old baler twine then hung behind the shop 'till next year ... I wish I had a picture to show you of the guys carrying the string of hot caps out to the field garden this spring -- it looked like they had a huge white feather "boa" scarf, lol!

How To Plant Your Garden

FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING ,

PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS :

1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul


PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:

1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness


PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:

1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another


NO GARDEN IS COMPLETE WITHOUT TURNIPS:

1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another


TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:

1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends


WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

The Spider

Our guys have nicknamed this little tractor "The Spider". It is a 1935 Ford 9N that we bought off a neighbor. We also have the manuals to go with it. So it may well be something the boys can learn & tinker on ... though thankfully, right now it does not need tinkering. It's ready to go to work.


Putting the narrow wheels at their maximum width adjustment makes this an excellent row-crop tractor.

Spring

New life

Spring is the time for new life on the farm. It is totally exciting for everyone to see the new little calves bouncing around. See?

This little one looks like his father, "Curly".



We are only expecting 11 calves for 2011. Six are already on the ground - four of those were born on Monday. Can you imagine the excitement level that day?

Raisin Toast

Finally here is a breakfast special that I claim responsibility for. After approximately 24 years of making whole wheat bread in my Bosch machine using certified-organic wheat and fresh ground certified-organic flax I have tried and tested making Raisin Bread.

It is so easy ... and so yummy! I should have tried it much sooner.

Nevertheless, here is my recipe, it's no secret. Try it if you will.


Whole Wheat Raisin Bread

5 cups warm water
1/4 cup liquid raw honey
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup fresh ground flax
7 cups fresh ground whole wheat flour
3 TBSP yeast
Let rise about 10 minutes. Then add:
2 eggs
1 TBSP sea salt
1 Tsp vitamin C crystals
6-7 cups Whole wheat flour, fresh ground - add flour a cup at a time until dough comes cleanly off the sides of the mixer bowl. Knead another 10 minutes.

For Raisin Bread: add 2 heaping TBSP ground cinnamon and an additional 2/3 cup liquid raw honey and 1 cup of organic raisins. Knead until well incorporated. If the sides of the mixer bowl are sticky, add about 1/4 or 1/2 cup additional whole wheat flour. Knead again to incorporate that additional flour.

Remove dough from mixer onto oiled countertop. Divide dough into 6 portions. Oil 6 stainless loaf pans, form loaves and let rise about 40 minutes, until nice and high. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Let sit for 5 minutes then remove from pans onto bread rack to cool.
Enjoy fresh or toasted!

Pumpkin Granola Bars

Ok, finally, no pictures, but ... here's the recipe for Pumpkin Granola Bars that I mentioned in an earlier post:

Pumpkin Granola Bars

3 1/4 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup applesauce
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8 by 8 baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk oats, spices, and salt together. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk brown sugar, pumpkin, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour over oats and stir well, until all of the oats are moist. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Evenly press oat mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. The pumpkin keeps the bars moist, so make sure they are golden and set-you don’t want them to be under baked. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut into bars. Remove from pan and let cool completely.
Makes 10-12 granola bars*Note-these didn’t last long in our house, so feel free to double the recipe and bake in a 9 by 13 pan.

Slow Cooker Oat Groats

Another new breakfast favorite around here uses steel cut oat groats.

Groats are less processed, therefore healthier. They are also less expensive and with this recipe? They are quick & easy ... not to mention, yummy!

Another of my crew members has taken up this breakfast feature. It is a good job for little people -- no hot stuff, just throw it all together and turn it on. It gives them responsibility and makes them feel so important because ... the family is counting on them!

Prepared the night before it is ready to fit everyone's schedule in the morning:

It works best to use a heavy bowl that can sit in a water bath in your slow cooker. Trust me, clean up is a whole lot easier because the oats stick onto the crockpot in a crusty layer that is hard to get off, not to mention a sorry waste.

Slow Cooker Oats
1 1/2 oat groat
6 cups water
1/2 tsp. sea salt
Handful of raisins

Toss these into your heavy bowl. Place it into the crockpot. Fill crockpot with water up to the level of the water in the bowl. Turn on low for 8-10 hours.
If you'd it chewier, just set the crock onto the keep warm setting.

In the morning, add a sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Garnish with pecans or other nuts if you desire. Or drizzle with cream.
Then sit down and enjoy!

It's just that easy!

Homemade Healthy Chocolate

Coconut oil is VERY healthy for you. About 3 Tbsp. per day is the required amount you should try to ingest for optimal health benefits.

Chocolate, an all time favorite, is a great way to eat coconut oil.

Coconut Chocolate Almond Bark

3/4 cup virgin coconut oil
3 tsp. dutch cocoa
1/4 tsp stevia, to desired taste
1/2 cup sliced almonds (use whole almonds if desired -- or other nuts)

Mix until smooth. Pour into a wax paper lined pan/container. Freeze for 30 minutes. Remove, break into pieces. Enjoy!

Granola Recipe

We've been revamping breakfasts here lately, trying to make them healthier and less expensive along with adding new variations into the menu.

Granola has long been a favorite and for nearly as long, I've been thinking I should try making my own. An interesting recipe showed up in my search called Pumpkin Granola.

It caught my attention because we have a lot of pumpkin and hubbard squash from the bounty of last summer's harvest and I'm needing more ways to use it up.

WELL! This is a HIT!

Even if you don't like pumpkin, you should give this a try. Pumpkin Granola is absolutely delicious! Filled with flavor, spices and health! Inexpensive too, I might add. This one scores high all around for taste, health, cost and ease of preparation!

Eat it plain. Or use it for topping yogurt or ice cream, porridge or pudding. As a cereal with milk, it's better than all others ... or mix it with others.

And when you've tried that. Try making Pumpkin Granola Bars -- similar, but definitely easier to pack & neater in the car.

Pumpkin Granola just can't be beat!

Oh, btw, we have found that hubbard squash is wa-a-ay better than pumpkin in most recipes. It is sweeter, smoother and denser(not as "watery"). The picture below is a hubbard squash beside a size 12 shoe:



Where do you find hubbard squash, you say? At Klasse Woods Natural Farm, of course! Our biggest hubbard in 2010 weighed 47 lbs.! That's a whole lot of 1/2 cup packages for the freezer. Then again I make 1 cup packages 'cause I usually double or quad-ruple the recipe so that I have at least enough for a week, lol!

Nothing like cooking for a growing crew big time ... the easy way? I let one of the crew manage that operation. They love it. So do I! Lol!

Here's the recipe:

Pumpkin Granola

6 cups rolled oats
1/4 tsp. ginge1/4 tsp. allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
¾ tsp. salt
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup applesauce
¼ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds -- did you know that? I did not.)

1. Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, spices, and salt. Mix well.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into oat mixture and stir until the oats are evenly coated. They will be moist. Evenly spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and stir. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the granola is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and stir in dried cranberries and pepitas. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
*Note-serve granola with yogurt, milk, or enjoy plain.

Freebie: Dinosaurs Explained

Do dinosaurs interest you? Your children? Or someone else you know?




This week Answers in Genesis is offering a free audio download of The Bible Explains Dinosaurs by Ken Ham.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom!

Making Music

In some ways, I guess you could call us a musical family.

Singing in harmony is a recent favorite pastime slowly becoming a ministry. It is always a blessing to sing together. Our hearts are filled with praise to the Father!

Making instruments is another pass time. Our oldest two made their first violin at ages 14 and 11. Since then, Carsyn has had another in the making ... will this be the year that it is completed? Going it alone, without an instructor and in between summer farming seasons draws out the process, but progress is once again being made now that it is winter.


Mostly carved by hand, this project requires a lot of patience, precision and persistance.

Awesome flaming on this piece!


It is so good to see profitable & productive pass times.

The Winner Is ...

Corbyn's can crusher @ Rosehill won the contest -- $100.

Way to go, Corbyn!

Dream Dog

A boy's best friend is his dog, right? And every boy dreams of hooking his dog up to a wagon ... or a sleigh, right?

Our boys did! They have a dream dog!

Misty, willingly pulls firewood through the snow on the sleigh. She makes the job faster & funner!

After practice with the wood, Misty was "trained" and now gives 2 year old (tomorrow is her B-day)"Taya" fun, fast rides too... Faith Mattaya knows how to hang on really tight. She loves it!! It's one of the joys of living in a house full of boys!

Poplar Project Complete

Do you recall the poplar project that our young men started last spring? Well, the whole project took 9 months, but it is now complete & functional.


The feeling of accomplishment is so rewarding. A bunk bed for our six year old twins. They are thrilled with their new bed(s).

It was a long drawn out process. Cutting the trees ... peeling off the bark ... drying the logs took the longest though it was no work at all, lol! ... then cutting the tenons & putting the pieces together ... Corbyn did the lacquering after-hours at the cabinet shop where he works (added blessing) ... finally, assembly and testing was so good to see!





Along the way, the guys have found other uses for their tenon cutters:
... Corbyn designed a can crusher for a contest at his workplace. The boss challenged his workers to come up with something for the lunch room -- rather than purchasing a can crusher. Functional & fun though not at all like the other entries, lol!:


... a tree stand ladder that is both functional and camouflaged:

Free eBook Download. Today Only!

Debt- Free for Life by David Bach is available for free download today only, January 5, 2011.

Thanks,Money Saving Mom.